R2-D2 and C-3PO with...some guy.
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
June 28, 2006 | Post Archive
For some people, watching movies isn’t enough. No, they need fiction to manifest itself in the tangible, physical world in order to be truly satisfied. Look deep into the hearts and minds of such people and you’re sure to find a proclivity for the make-believe. In fact, these people would prefer to live there, too. You can hardly blame them for preferring other realms, other-worldly places and lifestyles.
It doesn’t take much to find something more appealing than paying bills, working or picking up after your pooch. Besides, some of the movies that develop cult status through techie and geek followings have some pretty cool gadgets and such. “Star Wars,” anyone? To be sure, anyone remotely a fan of the cosmic series has wanted his or her own droid at one point or another. Dustin Roberts is one “Star Wars” fan discontent with mere on-screen, in-book fantasies. To make fantasy a reality, he’s built his own R2D2, and wants you to build one, too.
The tutorial on his site begins with constructing the dome, using a small battery-powered tool to cut panels into the metal for R2’s LED displays, radar eye and holoprojector. After finishing the dome’s surface, comes mounting the radar eye. Next, it’s on to building the legs, skins, frame and installing the electronic components. The tutorial even has a welding guide and a section on programming R2’s sounds. Check out the full tutorial on his site, Astromech.net.
It goes without saying that anyone who builds real-life versions of fictional droids in his spare time is a big fan, but is Roberts a big enough fan to be elected president of the “Star Wars” Fan Club? According to the press release, “Dustin L. Roberts is a man with a vision. A man with a dream. A man not afraid to wear an R2 beanie.”
The press release goes on to say that Roberts has announced his official running mate, R2-D2, claiming that, “The communication skills these two bring to the table is simply without equal.” Let’s just hope blips and beeps translate well during the debates.
